On July 7, 2026, the IRS and its Security Summit partners launched the annual summer “Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself” campaign. Now in its 11th year, the five-week series highlights practical steps tax professionals can take to protect client data, their businesses, and themselves from evolving tax-related identity theft threats.
The campaign also runs alongside the 2026 IRS Nationwide Tax Forums, where experts share security tools and tips for tax professionals.
Why the IRS Cares About Data Security
Tax professionals hold sensitive client information — names, Social Security numbers, income details, and bank account numbers. That makes tax offices a top target for identity thieves and scammers.
Each summer the IRS and Security Summit partner group remind the tax professional community to:
- Review basic security practices
- Train employees on how to spot scams
- Verify unusual requests before responding
- Report data breaches quickly when they happen
Identity thieves keep adapting their tactics, so the IRS stresses that staying informed and reviewing security basics regularly is the best defense.
Tax Forums Are Back for 2026
The summer series runs alongside the 2026 IRS Nationwide Tax Forums. After a three-day forum in Chicago, the events continue in:
- New Orleans, August 4–6, 2026
- New York City, August 18–20, 2026
- Orlando, Florida, September 1–3, 2026
- San Diego, California, September 15–17, 2026
The IRS notes that registration deadlines for several forums are approaching and several events are expected to sell out.
What Small Business Owners Should Do
Even if you are not a tax professional, this campaign is a good reminder for any small business owner who handles customer or employee data:
- Use strong, unique passwords and turn on multi-factor authentication for your accounts.
- Train anyone who handles money or records to spot phishing emails and fake payment requests.
- Back up your books regularly so a ransomware or data-loss event does not wipe out your records.
- Choose a tax preparer carefully. A preparer who takes security seriously is protecting more than your return — they are protecting your identity.
Why It Matters
A data breach at a tax office can mean months of cleanup for clients, including delayed refunds and stolen identities. For a Schedule C filer, a stolen EIN or business bank account number can lead to fake returns filed in your name and hours lost chasing the IRS to fix it.
Staying organized matters too. Simple-C keeps your Schedule C income and expenses in one secure place, so you can share clean, accurate records with your preparer — and nothing gets lost when a busy tax office hits a crunch.
This article provides general information, not tax or legal advice. Security guidance from the IRS can change. Confirm the current recommendations on IRS.gov.